An example of this type of bet would look something like this:. Bookmakers set odds by using computers to project the outcomes of games. Part of that includes projecting the score.

Odds will move based on where the money is, but you can often see a correlation in the spread and the total for this reason. In the Baltimore-Miami Week 10 game, for example, the Ravens were favored by 7.

That means bookmakers had likely projected the scoreline to be in the range of , Ravens. Thinking of it like that can help you decide how to bet. You can also cross-check the overall total with the team totals.

Interestingly, in the Ravens-Dolphins game, the totals were That only adds up to 45 — 1. But if you think a game will be higher or lower-scoring than public perception dictates, then bet accordingly.

This often varies from sport to sport, with the average betting totals for some of the major sports in the last completed season. In the Baltimore-New York game, for example, the Ravens were favored by 7. Using our example, the Ravens-Jets game, the totals were Whilst it is not plain and simple to win every time betting on overs or unders, there has been a trend over the last few years.

If you wager on the under, you are betting that the combined score will be points or fewer. Once you have made your decision on what to bet on, whether that be on the number of points in an NFL game or the number of goals in an NHL game, follow the next steps to place your bet:.

A push occurs when the final score of the game or event exactly matches the predetermined totals line set by the sportsbook. In this scenario you would receive your initial wager back, as the bet neither won nor lost. While a push may seem like a wasted bet, it is actually a favorable outcome compared to a loss.

In the event of a push, you do not lose the wager and the amount of it remains in your account to either withdraw or use for other bets. For example, you could place a bet on Patrick Mahomes to throw over 1.

Whether or not a game going to overtime will count toward your bet will depend on the sportsbook you use and the bet you place. Some sportsbooks will only count totals at the end of regulation time; others will carry over into overtime.

There are also sports betting sites that will offer bets for both occurrences with different odds as overtime gives you an extra chance of a bet winning if it occurs. This means that if you placed a bet on the over or under and the game goes to overtime, the outcome of the bet will be determined by the total combined score of both teams at the end of the overtime period.

If the overtime period results in a total of six points, the final combined score would be 32 points — resulting in a win for over bets instead of unders. If that same bet ended at regulation time, the under bet will have been the winning outcome.

It has competitive odds and a user-friendly platform that makes it easy to place bets. It has competitive odds and a user-friendly platform, and also offers a range of promotions and bonuses including free-to-play games with real cash prizes.

You can also live stream NHL games so you can see if your bet comes in while watching the game for free. You can then redeem these points for excellent rewards like bet credits. Many of these options are also available to cover individual teams or both teams combined and specific players.

Bettors can then place a wager on whether they believe the total combined score of both teams will be over or under that line. Again, these can be placed to back specific teams or individual players. You will often find totals in basketball a lot higher than in other sports, with the total points in a game often reaching over and reaching as high as in many NBA games.

This is in part due to the fast-paced nature of the game. In terms of total goals scored, hockey has lower totals — but it does offer many extra options to bet on like total shots on net and penalties given. Hockey totals combine elements of other sports and events like empty-net goals, penalties and power plays, which can all sway the outcome.

Even a strong power play from a team can have a big impact, so there is a lot to consider when placing these bets on NHL games. Managing Editor for US Media Partnerships Updated: 1 March Sports Betting.

State Promos. Legal States.

Some teams attempt a ton of three-pointers, while others like to score more around the rim. Like with the point spread, NBA and college basketball total bets can often be determined by fouls and free throws at the end of the game.

That can be frustrating, but you can also carve out an edge if you gain an understanding of which coaches and teams are likely to draw out the end of games.

For baseball totals betting, the pitching matchups and weather are two of the most important factors. If an elite pitcher like Jacob deGrom is on the mound, the total might be as low as seven, no matter the opposing pitcher.

Baseball is also unique in that every stadium is different. Some have much closer walls than others, making it a lot easier to hit home runs. There are also wacky wrinkles like Coors Field, where the Rockies play.

The park is massive, making it harder to defend, and the altitude makes balls fly farther, so totals are always going to be highest at Coors. Baseball totals betting can be the most complex, but also one of the most fun.

Hockey is similar to baseball in that the totals are going to be lower, but pace of play is just as important as in basketball and football. Some teams want to fly around and get as many shots as they can on net, while others want to just control the puck and play defense.

Hockey blends some aspects of totals betting from all the other sports, and hockey totals usually end up somewhere between 5 and 7. They can often also be swung by empty-net goals at the end of games, which you need to factor into your handicapping. You also need to factor in penalties and power plays when betting hockey totals.

Imagine the Coyotes have a great power play and are facing the Kings, who spend a lot of time in the penalty box. That could be a recipe for a lot of goals.

If you purchase a product or register for an account through a link on our site, we may receive compensation. Sidelines Group provides sports betting and casino content to MLive, including game predictions, odds, analysis, and sportsbook and casino reviews to educate bettors. Please bet responsibly.

If you have a gambling problem and are located in Michigan, call GAMBLER or or you can visit the Michigan Gaming Control Board's website. SPORTS BETTING SPORTS BETTING Michigan Sports Betting Sportsbook Reviews Best Michigan Sportsbooks BetMGM DraftKings Caesars FanDuel BetRivers Bet ESPN Bet Fanatics Sportsbook Promos Best Sportsbook Promos Michigan Promo Codes DraftKings Promo Codes Caesars Promo Codes FanDuel Promo Codes BetMGM Promo Codes BetRivers Promo Codes Bet Promo Codes Bet by Sport NFL NBA NCAAF NCAAB NHL MLB MLS MMA NASCAR Boxing Cricket Tennis Cornhole Lacrosse Olympics Bet By State Pennsylvania New Jersey New York North Carolina Illinois Ohio Kentucky Massachusetts Arizona Virginia Colorado Maryland Indiana Tennessee Louisiana Iowa Kansas West Virginia Mississippi Connecticut Washington D.

C Wyoming Maine Vermont Betting Guides Super Bowl Betting Point Spreads Moneylines Hedge Betting Odds Units Daily Fantasy Best DFS Sites Draftkings DFS Fanduel DFS OwnersBox DFS Thrive DFS ParlayPlay DFS Michigan Online Casinos.

By Luke Lindholm. BONUS CODE MLIVEMGM. All of these factors combine to offer a big picture look at how many points might be scored in a given game. Odds may change as new news and information come out.

More often than not, this is detrimental to bettors seeking well-paying lines. Get in early if you can. Choose your match, then head to a number of sportsbooks and look at the totals bets available for the match. Take into account the line and the odds, as they can vary at different sportsbooks.

Remember to research carefully or check out our picks pages for various sports to help inform your decision. Select your pick, then add it to your betslip.

Generally speaking, oddsmakers set the totals line at the most likely final outcome. Here are a few examples:. The NBA example above is very common, with odds of on both sides, while lines like the NHL example are fairly common too.

Depends on the sport. For high-scoring matches like football or basketball, overtime still counts toward totals bets.

Overtime is a lot less likely in these sports, making it a rarer scenario. Our advice here: check the fine print of any bet you placed so you know for sure whether overtime is covered. If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, call the National Problem Gambling Helpline at , or visit NCPGambling.

Gambling Sites. The Action Network. American Gaming Association. National Council on Problem Gambling. You may accept or manage your choices by clicking below, including your right to object where legitimate interest is used, or at any time in the privacy policy page.

These choices will be signaled to our partners and will not affect browsing data. Accept All Reject All Show Purposes. Table of Contents Expand. Table of Contents. What Is an Over-Under Bet? How It Works. Over-Under Bet: An Example.

The Bottom Line. Wealth Lifestyle Advice. Trending Videos. Key Takeaways In sports betting, an over-under bet is a bet on whether a specific statistic for a game will be higher or lower than a quoted value. The odds will also tell you how much the sportsbook will take out of your winnings. Gambling always involves a negative expected return—the house always has the advantage.

Important Though over-under bets can relate to a wide variety of statistics, the most popular is the total points scored.

What Happens If an Over-Under Is Exact? Why Do Totals Change In Over-Under Betting? How Are Totals Made for Over-Under Betting? Article Sources. Investopedia requires writers to use primary sources to support their work.

These include white papers, government data, original reporting, and interviews with industry experts. We also reference original research from other reputable publishers where appropriate. You can learn more about the standards we follow in producing accurate, unbiased content in our editorial policy.

Part Of. Related Terms. Teaser Bet: Meaning, Calculation, Example In sports betting, a teaser bet is a type of parlay bet in which the bettor is allowed to change the point spread for a game. Money Line Bet: What It Means and How It Works One of the simplest kinds of wagers, a money line bet tries to pick the winner.

Sportsbook: What It Is, History, and Legality A sportsbook is a company or entity that accepts bets. Parlay Bet: What It Is and How It Works A parlay bet is common in sports betting and is made up of two or more individual wagers.